RV Cooling Tips & Tricks
While we love our mobile creature comforts, let’s be honest, energy efficiency is not their strong suit! I’m writing this from North Texas during the summer of 2022, where we are smashing some long-standing heat records, so let’s get into the good stuff right away from our first-hand experience.
Try to park in the shade. If you can’t find it, try to make it!
Rooftop shades (Shade RV and similar), keep the window shades drawn, and roll out the awnings if the wind permits.
Install Double Reflective Insulation, or brand name Reflectix. This can usually be purchased through your local home improvement store or through online resources like Amazon. It can be cut to size and starts working immediately. We put this in the windows, but some people will also put it in the closet and/or pantry.
Use vent insulator pillows. A LOT of heat comes in those little vents, and this is a cheap and quick fix. Try to get the ones with the reflective surface for the most bang for your buck.
Keep that door closed! We also try to keep lights off if not in immediate use.
Try to avoid using heat sources within your RV.
Instead of using the stove or oven, try to cook outside.
Instead of using the clothes dryer, see if an outdoor clothes line would work instead. If that won’t work, use the dryer very early in the morning or overnight when the outside temperature is cooler and the sunlight is less severe.
Avoid long, hot showers that will increase both heat and humidity.
Air Conditioner units
Of course, you’ve been using this all along, but make sure you’re being effective here.
Don’t let the units get behind early. This probably means setting the thermostat cooler than you intend. For instance, we usually set the thermostat to about 75, but we have been using 72. It’s easier to keep it steadily cool than it is to increase the coolness of the air, if that makes sense.
Clean the AC filters and coils, and make sure to do your AC maintenance so these guys can operate properly.
If you’re in a humid climate, get a dehumidifier. Yes, your AC will act as a dehumidifier so this isn’t necessary in all climates, but you are putting extra strain on the unit if there’s too much moisture in the air. We set ours for about 50%. (You can actually over-dehumidify the air, which can also be a problem.)
Lastly, use fans to circulate the air and help it feel cooler!
Hope you found something helpful today. Make sure to contact us if you have more questions or want us to take a deeper dive into some of these common issues. Click HERE to check out our video on YouTube on this topic. Happy camping, y’all!